Michael Rubin serves as Chairman and CEO of Fanatics. He is the founder and CEO of Kynetic. Mr. Rubin is a co-founder and board member of Candy Digital. Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ShopRunner. He is the founder and CEO of Radial. Kynetic is the latest chapter in his rich history as one of the country’s most successful and respected entrepreneurs. The company began after eBay acquired GSI Commerce, Inc. for $2.4 billion. In 12 years, he and his team transformed GSI into a global network of e-commerce, multi-channel and digital marketing businesses serving 150 of the top 500 online retailers. Driven by a true passion for building an online consumer business, he created Kynetic, which includes three former GSI companies: Fanatics, the leading online retailer of licensed sporting goods; Rue La La, the leading online retailer of private label products in the US; and ShopRunner, an innovative service combining the benefits of shopping from leading retailers and brands. He began building a business at age 12, when he opened a ski customization company in his parents’ basement. His success as an entrepreneur was featured on the first season of the hit CBS channel show “Undercover Boss,” and has been covered in numerous media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, CNN, The New York Times, BusinessWeek and People. He is also an angel investor.

About Michael Rubin

Especially in the domains of online retail and licensed sports items, Michael Rubin is a well-known personality in the entrepreneurship world. In particular, by utilizing digital channels to satisfy the demands of contemporary consumers, he has drastically changed the way sports memorabilia is promoted and sold in his capacity as founder and CEO of Fanatics. Establishing GSI Commerce and then selling it to eBay for $2.4 billion in 2011 were among the major turning points in Rubin’s early entrepreneurial career. His economic empire has been built on Fanatics, one of the important assets he deftly bargained to keep after the sale.

Education

Like his business, Michael Rubin’s educational route is unusual. After enrolling at Villanova University, he concluded that a job in academics was not for him. Rubin left school to focus entirely on his business goals. Despite the risks involved, this choice showed his strong conviction in self-learning and practical skills above traditional education. This belief has obviously paid off, as evidenced by his subsequent triumphs in the fiercely competitive fields of sports merchandising and internet retail.

Family

Regarding his private life, Michael Rubin mostly stays out of the public eye, but it is known that he is single and has one child. Rubin makes his duty as a parent his top priority, balancing his obligations to his family and his business, even in the face of his demanding and ambitious commercial endeavors. His dedication to preserving interpersonal ties in the midst of running a multinational company is demonstrated by this facet of his life.

Interesting Facts

Michael Rubin’s business enthusiasm was obvious at a young age, as he opened Mike’s Ski & Sport, a ski-tuning shop, in his parents’ basement at his young age of 12. His foundation for understanding customer service and corporate operations was established by this early efforts. Rubin’s belief in leveraging his resources and position to create a beneficial impact outside of the corporate sector is evident in his support for social justice and his charitable endeavors, which are interspersed throughout his career.

Professional Experience

Founder and CEO, Fanatics (2011 – Present) Built and leads a global digital sports platform encompassing multiple businesses:

• Developed partnerships with over 900 professional and collegiate leagues and teams
• Secured exclusive manufacturing and distribution rights with Nike, NFL, and MLB
• Led company through multiple funding rounds, achieving $31 billion valuation
• Expanded business into trading cards, collectibles, sports betting, and iGaming
• Transformed manufacturing facilities to produce PPE during COVID-19 pandemic
• Successfully raised multiple funding rounds including $1.5 billion in March 2022 and $700 million in December 2022

Board Member, Rue Gilt Groupe (2011 – Present) Oversees strategic direction for multiple e-commerce platforms:

• RueLaLa.com
• Gilt.com
• ShopPremiumOutlets.com
• Established $280 million partnership with Simon Property Group

Founder and CEO, GSI Commerce (1998 – 2011) Built multibillion-dollar e-commerce and logistics company:

• Grew company from startup to industry leader in e-commerce solutions
• Successfully sold company to eBay for $2.4 billion
• Managed order fulfillment operations for major retailers
• Developed innovative e-commerce solutions for large-scale retail operations

Founder, KPR Sports (1993 – 1998) Founded and developed athletic equipment closeout company:

• Scaled business from $1 million to $50 million in annual sales within two years
• Acquired 40% stake in women’s athletic shoe manufacturer Rykä
• Managed purchasing and distribution of overstock name brand merchandise

Founder, Mike’s Ski and Sport (1984 – 1993) Founded and operated retail business at age 14:

• Expanded from basement operation to five retail locations
• Managed full retail operations including inventory, sales, and customer service
• Generated substantial revenue through strategic buying and selling of ski equipment

Investment Portfolio

1. W LABS
   • Deal Date: July 23, 2024
   • Deal Type: Early Stage VC
   • Industry: Personal Products
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
2. RoboBurger
   • Deal Date: April 24, 2024
   • Industry: Other Commercial Products
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
3. Bot-it
   • Deal Date: October 17, 2023
   • Industry: Other Restaurants, Hotels and Leisure
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
4. Slamball
   • Deal Date: March 21, 2023
   • Industry: Other Restaurants, Hotels and Leisure
   • Company Stage: Out of Business
5. TMRW Sports
   • Deal Date: March 21, 2023
   • Industry: Publishing
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
6. Kasheesh
   • Deal Date: February 9, 2023
   • Industry: Financial Software
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
7. Bezel
   • Deal Date: January 10, 2023
   • Industry: Specialty Retail
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
8. Jackpot.com
   • Deal Date: January 9, 2023
   • Industry: Entertainment Software
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
9. D’Amelio Brands
   • Deal Date: September 6, 2022
   • Deal Type: Seed Round
   • Industry: Internet Retail
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
10. Ethernity
    • Deal Date: February 10, 2022
    • Deal Type: Seed Round
    • Industry: Financial Software
    • Company Stage: Generating Revenue

Notable Achievements

• Created ALL IN Challenge raising $60 million for food insecurity during COVID-19
• Named “Most Influential Person in Sports Business” by Sports Business Journal (2021)
• Recognized as “Sports Executive of the Year” (2022)
• Listed in Forbes 400: The Richest People in America
• Featured on various business programs including Undercover Boss, CNBC, and ESPN

Education

Villanova University

• Attended one semester before pursuing business ventures full-time

Contact Information

• Location:  Bryn Mawr, PA, United States